We few, we happy few

I took my daughter to see her first Shakespeare play on Saturday: The Globe Theatre's production of Henry V at The New Theatre.
She enjoyed it, (despite being the youngest person there) slightly to my surprise, although there were large chunks she didn't understand. But there was enough action, and in this production anyway, comedy to keep her interested. It's not a perfect play - I was aware for instance that unless you've read Henry IV you don't know who this John Falstaff is that they're mourning or why that's significant. It also doesn't know how to end, at least to modern sensibilities anyway. It should end on the field of Agincourt (or have a brief wrapping up scene), but drags on for another 40 minutes or so with the rather superfluous leak eating scene, then marriage.
But it does contain two of the most rousing speeches ever written, firstly the Once more unto the breach one at Harfleur, and then the St Crispin's Day speech before the big battle at Agincourt. These have become rather over-used in war and modern sporting events (and adverts even), but I think there is something more subtle about the St Crispin's day speech. Shakespeare captures the feeling of achievement when you realise something substantial with a small group of people, against the odds. Being successful with a large, formal project group is all well and good, but there is a sense of having done something extraordinary with a small group. As Harry puts it "I pray thee, wish not one man more"